Approaching the middle of the field, Ella Williams faces her opponent for the draw to determine the game winning point. The whistle blows as Williams takes control, flying through defense and successfully shoots for her 40th goal of the season during her freshman year.

Williams is in her senior year and has accumulated over eight years of playing lacrosse. She committed to Central Michigan University her junior year in high school, and will be a Division I lacrosse player next spring.

Reaching the college level of competition doesn’t come without hard work. Williams reflects on the pressures she has faced while juggling everyday activities such as academics, athletics and recruiting–a combination that tested her focus and grit.

“There were times when I felt overwhelmed; especially during the seasons when schoolwork piled up, and I was traveling for tournaments. I had to really learn how to manage my time and stay organized and prioritize what was most important each day. It’s all about consistency and never giving up on your passion–you always have to show up even on days when you don’t feel like it,” Williams said.

Leadership has become one of the biggest lessons Williams gained throughout her years on the field. She credits her coaches for helping her understand what it means to guide others and play with confidence.

“One of my coaches told me once that leaders don’t always have to be the loudest, they just have to be consistent. Another coach told me that you can’t play your best if you’re afraid to make mistakes. These things helped change how I see leadership and how I carry myself on the field,” Williams said.

Her high school coach Jon Gargiulo has witnessed this transformation firsthand. He notes Williams’ resilience and willingness to take risks throughout her high school career.

“What makes me proud of Ella on the field is to see her take chances she may not be comfortable with. Sometimes she succeeds, sometimes she doesn’t, but what I really like to see is that Ella has a short memory. If something doesn’t work, she doesn’t let it affect her; she just keeps going and tries things again,” Gargiulo said.

That perseverance has not only earned Williams success, but also respect from her teammates and coaches.

“She sets goals for herself and works hard to achieve them. This is a tendency which most Division I athletes all have. Although the sport comes easy to a certain degree for Ella, she is constantly working on lacrosse and her physical development outside of practice,” Gargiulo said.

As Williams prepares to continue her lacrosse career at Central Michigan University, she is remaining focused on improving her skills and adapting to challenges of college athletics. Her commitment to growth and balance on the field reflects dedication for her to succeed at the next level.